Ismailia, Egypt, September 13, 2019 - USA put up an impenetrable block to stop Brazil 3-0 (25-18, 25-18, 25-14) here on Friday evening for a ticket to Saturday's final of the 2019 FIVB Girls' U18 World Championship.
• Final on Saturday:
USA v China or Italy
• Bronze medal match on Saturday:
Brazil v China or Italy
It is USA's third final in the history of the competition, though gold still eludes them after back-to-back silver medals in 2013 and 2015.
Devyn Robinson gets up to block the one-handed attempt of Brazil setter Maria Clara Carvalhaes in the semifinal of the 2019 FIVB Girls' U18 World Championship in Ismailia.
USA sped off to a quick early lead in the first set and although Brazil briefly closed in to within a point with one of their multi-point runs, the North Americans held on with a some great blocking by middles Caroline Crawford and Devyn Robinson.
But Brazil coach Hylmer Do Nascimento made some critical changes to his lineup for the second, bringing on Ana Cecilia Lopes for Ana Luiza Rudiger as opposite and Katia Machado for Livia Gomes in the middle.
This levelled out the play for a while, though USA were still ahead by two at the second technical timeout and cruised on from there - the blocking continuing to bring in the points.
But Brazil were in disarray and USA, composed and disciplined, never let up, relentlessly keeping the pressure on and breaking away quickly in the third.
It was all over in just 74 minutes, Brazil swiftly put out of their misery, Jessica Mruzik scoring the final point with an ace.
Brazil libero Leticia Araujo brings the ball back in front of coach Hylmer Do Nascimento in the semifinals of the 2019 FIVB Girls' U18 World Championship in Ismailia.
USA's middle blockers not only stopped the Brazilians, they were also on fire in attacking, Robinson producing 72% (8/11) and Crawford 75% (3/4).
Opposite Emily Londot was top scorer of the game with 14 points for USA. Brazil captain Stephany Gomes was restricted to 9.
Brazil have now not been in an Girls' U18 World Championship final since 2009, but have already vastly improved on their finishes of 11th and 10th in the last two editions.
Emily Londot strikes past the block of Brazil's Stephany Gomes as she leads USA to triumph in the semifinals of the 2019 FIVB Girls' U18 World Championship in Ismailia.
Quick links - Volleyball:
FIVB Volleyball Girls' U18 World Championship
FIVB.com
Volleyball TV
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram